LIFT D&G 

NANA – Nature And Nurture Areas

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NANA (Nature And Nurture Areas) is our community-led garden project based in Lochside, Dumfries. It’s a peaceful, inclusive space where people come together to connect with nature, nurture their wellbeing, and grow both food and friendships.

The garden is designed to support mental health, community resilience, and environmental awareness. Whether you're looking to dig in and learn new skills or simply need a quiet moment in nature, NANA offers something for everyone.

Our space includes:

• A thriving orchard providing fresh fruit and a symbol of long-term community growth.

• Vegetable and fruit beds where people of all ages can learn to grow seasonal produce, promoting food security and healthy eating.

• A dedicated area for wildflowers with medicinal properties, reviving traditional knowledge and offering natural support for wellbeing.

At its heart, NANA is about more than growing plants—it’s about cultivating connection, confidence, and care. Many of the people who visit the garden are navigating life’s challenges, from isolation and anxiety to low confidence or loss. NANA offers a gentle, grounding space where people are welcomed without judgement and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

We run regular gardening sessions, creative nature-based workshops, and seasonal activities, all rooted in community values and local knowledge. The garden is maintained by a mix of volunteers, residents, and participants from across our projects—including young people, families, and older adults.

NANA is a space to breathe, belong, and bloom—naturally.